Microsoft did not remove tetherxp.inf from the driver store until . In earlier builds (1507, 1511, 1607), the driver was present but disabled by default for security reasons. After 1703, Microsoft officially deprecated RNDIS tethering drivers for security and performance reasons (e.g., potential for remote code execution via malformed packets).
pnputil /add-driver C:\path\to\tetherxp.inf /install Then force the device to use it: microsoft driver tetherxp.inf windows 10
For most users, the correct path forward is to install tetherxp.inf , but rather to upgrade hardware or use Microsoft’s modern RNDIS drivers. For the rest – the retro enthusiasts, the legacy industrial engineers, the embedded tinkerers – this guide should serve as your definitive reference. Have a success story or a new hardware ID that works with tetherxp.inf? Share it in the comments below. For more deep‑dive driver guides, subscribe to our newsletter. Microsoft did not remove tetherxp
Introduction In the world of Windows drivers, few filenames evoke as much nostalgia and niche confusion as tetherxp.inf . Designed originally for Windows XP, this driver file is Microsoft’s official Universal Serial Bus (USB) driver for Internet Sharing (tethering) on legacy mobile devices. pnputil /add-driver C:\path\to\tetherxp
pnputil /enum-devices /class Net pnputil /install-driver C:\path\to\tetherxp.inf /device "your-device-instance-id" Windows 10 blocks unsigned or modified legacy drivers by default. If you receive an error about driver signature, enable Test Mode: